Warwick groundsman wins unfair dismissal case

A former manager and head groundsman from Warwick has won his unfair dismissal case and has been awarded nearly £14,000.

Paul Bird, who worked for Warwick Golf Centre, was forced to resign because he refused to work an extra seven hours a week without pay, the Courier reported.

Mr Bird had worked at the golf club since 1983 and enjoyed a good working relationship with the owners until the company was taken over by golf professional Phil Sharp.

Mr Sharp claimed that Mr Bird was contracted to work 40 hours a week, but the groundsman claimed that he had only ever worked 33 hours. 

Conflict also occurred between Mr Bird and his employer over pay.

After being told that staff would be paid weekly, Mr Sharp then changed his mind and told Mr Bird he would be paid monthly.

Speaking at the employment tribunal, Mr Bird stated: "I said that no-one had told me of the change and asked for my wages.

"Mr Sharp said there was nothing he could do. Mr Sharp’s action was yet another example of the way he treated employees."

It is the responsibility of employers to honour employment contract, both written and verbal.

Staff must always be informed of any changes to their terms of employment.

Published by Tessa Jones